22

~Kiva

It’s a clear, beautiful night tonight.

The moon is full, shining its milky light over the snow lying peacefully over the lawn.

I could stare down at the sight of it for all eternity I’ve decided, leaning my cheek against the cold window sill.

A figure shifts distantly, right at the edge of the forest.

I straighten, squinting my eyes through the darkness.

It’s impossible to decipher who it is, but deep down, I know I’m looking at my mate.

Scrambling up, I throw a coat over my shoulders, shove some boots on my feet and lace them up as quickly as my numb fingers allow before I consider how I’m going to get down to him.

Ark is outside my door…

I could scale down the trellis below my window, but it’s high off the ground, caked with ice and laced with sharp brambles.

But what choice do I have?

Gritting my teeth, I flip the latch and slide the window up as silently as possible, wincing at the cool blast of icy winter air as it hits my face.

Of all Territories my ancient relatives deci